KUALA LUMPUR,  19 Mar 2009

Apprentice Tai Lee Leong has won an appeal against a one-year disqualification.

Tai was was found guilty of a charge under MRA Rule 44(8) and disqualified one year for his handling of JERAM WONDER on Dec 6 last year, when the Moon Rocket gelding finished third to REAL WARRIOR in a Class 3 - 1400m sprint.

Tai subsequently lodged an appeal and the Selangor Turf Club Racing Stewards heard the appeal today.

After considering submissions from Tai, his counsel, trainer Frank Maynard and the Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward, and after considering all the evidence, the Racing Stewards allowed the appeal and the deposit was refunded.

Trainer P Visuanathan (V Nathan), meanwhile, has his fine of RM20,000 reduced to RM3,000 on appeal.

V Nathan was fined RM20,000 at the conclusion of an inquiry into SILENT MOVER’s post mortem sample returning a positive result.

SILENT MOVER collapsed and died after finishing seventh in his final start on Sept 14 last year and a post mortem sample was taken the following day.

The sample subsequently returned positive to “Phenylbutazone and Oxyphenylbutazone” which was prohibited substances under MRA rules.

The Selangor Turf Club Racing Stewards also heard the appeal today.

After considering submissions from V Nathan and the Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward, the Racing Stewards allowed the appeal on the quantum of the fine amounting to RM20,000 and after consideration, the fine was reduced to RM3,000. V Nathan’s deposit was refunded.